Assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank of a motor vehicle

ABSTRACT

An assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a motor vehicle, the tank including a wall portion and an attachment portion projecting outward from the wall portion, the attachment portion defining an opening in the wall portion, the assembly including: a mounting module configured to carry the at least one component and to close the opening in the wall portion; the mounting module including an outer side configured to be accessible from outside the tank; at least one connector arranged on the outer side of the mounting module, the at least one connector being connected to the at least one component; a clamp configured to clamp the mounting module to the attachment portion; and a cover attached to the clamp and covering at least partially the at least one connector.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to assemblies for mounting at leastone component in a tank of a motor vehicle, and to tanks comprising suchan assembly. Particular embodiments relate to the field of ammoniaprecursor tanks and fuel tanks.

BACKGROUND

Liquid and gas tanks carried on board vehicles generally have to satisfysealing and permeability standards related to the type of use for whichthey are designed and the requirements in terms of environmentalconsiderations that they have to meet. Incorporating one or morecomponents into such tanks presents the problem of attaching them in asealed and impermeable way in an opening made in these tanks. To thatend it is known to use a mounting module, also called baseplate, whichcarries the one or more components, and to attach the mounting module toan attachment portion of the tank.

Typically, it is also desirable that the one or more components bemounted to the tank so as to be removable for service and repairpurposes. Various techniques for attaching a mounting module to a tankare already known. For example, cam lock systems or mason jar systemsare well known by the skilled person. Generally, these known systems usea ring or a lock nut configured to be screwed onto a thread on the tankside. In such embodiments, the attachment operation of the component tothe tank is typically complex, time-consuming and expensive. Further, anadequate protection of any components arranged at an outer side of themounting module is difficult to achieve.

In view of the above, there is a need for an improved attachmentassembly which is easy to use and improves the protection of thecomponents.

SUMMARY

The objects of embodiments of the invention is to provide an improvedassembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a motorvehicle, said tank having a wall portion and an attachment portionprojecting outward from said wall portion, said attachment portiondefining an opening in said wall portion. More in particular it isdesirable to provide an assembly which improves the protection of anycomponents arranged at an outer side of the mounting module, and tolimit or avoid turbulence caused by such components when the assembly isused in a motor vehicle.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided anassembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a motorvehicle, comprising a mounting module, a clamp and a cover. The mountingmodule is configured for carrying said at least one component and forclosing of the opening in the wall portion of the tank. The mountingmodule has an outer side intended for being accessible from outside thetank. At least one connector is arranged at the outer side of themounting module. The at least one connector is connected to the at leastone component. The clamp is configured for clamping the mounting moduleto the attachment portion of the tank. The cover is attached to theclamp and covers at least partially the at least one connector.

By attaching the cover to the clamp, there is provided an assembly whichis easy to mount: the mounting module can be attached to the attachmentportion using the clamp, and the one or more connectors can be protectedusing the cover, by attaching the cover to the clamp after theconnectors have been suitably connected to other parts, e.g. a powersource, an exhaust line, etc. mounted in the motor vehicle. Also thecover will limit any turbulence caused by the one or more connectors.Finally by attaching the cover to the clamp no special fixation pointsare needed on the tank.

According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting module is providedwith a mounting flange at an outer circumference thereof, and the clampis configured for engaging around said mounting flange and around acorresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank. In thatmanner a good attachment and impermeability can be obtained. It is notedthat the corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank mayeither be a flange which is formed integrally with the tank or a flangecreated by fixing a ring-shaped member to the tank, e.g. by overmolding.

According to a preferred embodiment the at least one connector comprisesany one of the following connectors, or a combination thereof: ahydraulic connector, an electrical connector. A first electricalconnector can be connected to an electronic control unit to providepower to the control unit and/or to exchange data between the controlunit and other components in the vehicle. A further electrical connectormay be connected to any components on/in the mounting module that needto be fed by an electrical power source, e.g. a pump, a heater, etc. Ahydraulic connector may be an outlet of the tank and may be connected toa hydraulic line for evacuating liquid, e.g. fuel or an ammoniaprecursor out of the tank.

According to a preferred embodiment the clamp is provided with aplurality of fixation points for attaching the cover. Preferably theclamp is substantially circular, at least in the mounted position, andthe fixation points are provided in the form of radially outwardlyprotruding ears, optionally provided with orifices for screws. Suchfixation points on the clamp will allow an easy attachment and removalof the cover, and will lead to a very compact assembly. In furtherembodiments the one or more fixation points may be used to fix otherexternal elements, such as a hydraulic line to the clamp.

According to an exemplary embodiment an electronic control unit ismounted on the outer side of the mounting module, and the cover at leastpartially covers said electronic control unit. Such an electroniccontrol unit and one or more electrical connectors may be mounted on aPCB, wherein an electrical connector is connected to the electroniccontrol unit, and the PCB is fixed to the outer side of the mountingmodule.

According to a preferred embodiment the assembly further comprising asealing ring disposed between the mounting module and the attachmentportion, wherein the sealing ring is clamped between the mounting moduleand said attachment portion by the clamp.

According to an exemplary embodiment the clamp is a plastic clamp.

According to a first exemplary embodiment the clamp comprises at least afirst clamp shell and a second clamp shell, said first clamp shellhaving a first end pivotally connected to a first end of said secondclamp shell. In further embodiments the clamp may have more than twoclamp shells which are pivotally connected. By having various clampshells which are pivotally connected, each clamp shell can be relativelyrigid, whilst still allowing an easy mounting of the clamp around aflange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange of theattachment portion. The first clamp shell may have a second endconfigured for being connected to a second end of the second clampshell. Preferably, the second end of the first clamp shell is connectedto the second end of the second clamp shell through a snap-fitconnection.

According to a second exemplary embodiment the clamp comprises at leastone attachment strip having a first end equipped with a toothed portion;and a second end equipped with at least one head, said head comprising acomplementary toothed portion, said head being configured to receive andlock the strip by means of the complementary toothed portion; whereinsaid clamp engages and is closed onto said mounting module and saidattachment portion by pulling tight the strip through the head. In anexemplary embodiment thereof, the toothed portion and/or thecomplementary toothed portion may comprise teeth obtained by overmoldingmetal inserts with plastic material.

In an exemplary embodiment the clamp comprises at an inner surfacethereof at least one internal mouth configured to receive a mountingflange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange of theattachment portion of the tank. Preferably, the or each internal mouthhas a tapered inner surface, narrowing towards the interior of themouth, to facilitate the centering of the clamp around mounting flangeof the mounting module and a corresponding flange of the attachmentportion of the tank. Preferably, the clamp comprises a plurality ofstrengthening ribs extending radially between the or each internal mouthand an outer surface of the clamp.

In a preferred embodiment the clamp comprises at least one integralinjection molded part. In an embodiment with two clamp shells, eachshell may be an injection molded part.

According to embodiments of the invention the cover may function as aprotection cover and/or as a heatshield. When the cover has a heatshield function it may comprises a layer of a heat shielding materialwhich is configured for reducing the transfer of heat through the cover.The heat insulation material may be a foam material. Preferably, theheat insulation material has a thermal conductivity (K-value), which islower than 0.06 W/mK preferably lower than 0.04 W/mK.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tankassembly for a motor vehicle comprising a tank and an assembly accordingto any one of the previous embodiments. According to an exemplaryembodiment there is provided a fuel tank assembly for a motor vehiclecomprising a fuel tank and an assembly according to any one of theprevious embodiments. According to another exemplary embodiment there isprovided an ammonia precursor tank assembly for a motor vehiclecomprising an ammonia precursor tank and an assembly according to anyone of the previous embodiments.

According to another exemplary embodiment the tank comprises anattachment portion in which a ring-shaped member is partially embedded.The ring shaped member may comprise a top flange, a bottom flange and aside wall, preferably a frustoconical side wall, connecting the topflange and the bottom flange. The bottom flange and a portion of theside wall may be embedded in the attachment portion. The ring shapedmember may further comprise a plurality of peripheral tabs extendingoutwardly from the top flange, and the clamp may comprises a pluralityof engaging claw parts, each engaging claw part being configured toengage one of said plurality of peripheral tabs and to press themounting module against said attachment portion of the tank. In analternative embodiment the tabs may be created in the top flange, byproviding suitable cut-outs in the top flange, and the engaging clawparts may be inserted in the cut-outs to engage the tabs. The side wallmay comprise a plurality of through-holes in the portion which isembedded in the attachment portion to improve the fixation of thering-shaped member in the attachment portion. In an embodiment the clampmay be an annular lock plate comprising the plurality of engaging clawparts. In such an embodiment a plurality of fixation points forattaching the cover may be provided in the form of peripheral extensionparts of the annular lock plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferrednon-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention.The above and other advantages of the features and objects of theinvention will become more apparent and the invention will be betterunderstood from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a first exemplaryembodiment of a clamp;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a firstexemplary embodiment of an assembly comprising the clamp of FIG. 1 fixedto an attachment portion of a tank;

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate schematically an exemplary embodiment of a methodfor fixing the assembly of FIG. 2 on a tank;

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of an assembly similar to the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a perspective view of the exemplaryembodiment of the assembly of FIG. 4 with a cover attached to the clamp;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate schematic perspective views of a secondexemplary embodiment of a clamp in an open and a closed position;

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a thirdexemplary embodiment of an assembly fixed to an attachment portion of atank;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate schematically a perspective view of a lockplate and a clamp of the third exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7,respectively; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a tankassembly.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 represents an exemplary embodiment of a plastic clamp accordingto a first embodiment. The plastic clamp 1100 comprises a strip 1111equipped with a toothed section 1120 and two heads 1131, 1132 formedonto an outer surface of the strip 1111, at one end thereof. The toothedsection 1120 comprises a tab 1121 equipped with two series of teeth1222, 1223. The first series of teeth 1222 is used for pre-closingoperation and the second series of teeth 1223 is used for final closingoperation. It is an advantage to have a flat section (i.e. section withno teeth) between the first and second series of teeth 1222, 1223, sincethe pull force for intermediate closing of the plastic clamp 1100 can bereduced. The heads 1131, 1132 are configured to receive and lock the tab1121. Each head 1131, 1132 accommodates complementary teeth (notillustrated) which cooperate with the first and second series of teeth1222, 1223. In this particular embodiment, the plastic clamp 1100comprises twelve internal mouths 1115 regularly spaced along the strip1111. As illustrated, each internal mouth 1115 has a contact surfacehaving a conical like structure. Such a structure will facilitate thecentring of the clamp 1100 around the flanges of an attachment portionof the tank and of the mounting module, see further. Advantageously, theplastic clamp 1100 comprises a plurality of ribs 1116 placed between theinternal mouths 1115 and the strip 1111. In this particular embodiment,the plastic clamp 1100 comprises six ribs 1116, three on the top sideand three other on the bottom side, per internal mouth 1115.

FIG. 2 represents a partial cross-section of a first exemplaryembodiment of a tank assembly attached to an attachment portion 1220 ofa tank. The assembly comprises the clamp 1100 of FIG. 1. The tankassembly is attached to a tank having a wall portion 1210 and a tubularattachment portion 1220 projecting outward from said wall portion 1210.The attachment portion 1220 defines an opening 1230 in the wall portion1210 of the tank. The tank assembly comprises a mounting module 1300which is attached to the attachment portion 1220 by means of the plasticclamp 1100. 2. The mounting module 1300 is provided with a mountingflange 1310 at an outer circumference thereof, and the clamp 1100 isconfigured for engaging around mounting flange 1310 and around acorresponding flange 1222 of attachment portion 1220 of the tank. In theillustrated embodiment the corresponding flange 1222 is a radiallyoutwardly protruding upper part of attachment portion 1220. The flange1222 of attachment portion 1220 comprises a groove 1225. An 0 ring seal1400 is arranged in the groove 1225. Alternatively an O-ring may bearranged in flange 1310 of mounting module 1300. In FIG. 2, the plasticclamp 1100 is in a final closing position. Accordingly, the mountingmodule 1300 is tightly pressed against the attachment portion 1220. TheO ring seal 1400 is compressed axially between the attachment portion1220 and the mounting module 1300.

In this example, the tank 1220 may be a urea tank and the mountingmodule 1300, also called a baseplate or carrying structure, mayincorporate and/or support at least one component such as, for example,a pump, a filter, a level sensor, a quality sensor, a temperature sensoror a heater. A part of this mounting module 1300 is positioned throughthe opening 1230. More in particular one or more components may beprovided at the inner side or the outer side of the mounting module, ormay be integrated in the mounting module, e.g. in a chamber in themounting module.

FIGS. 3A to 3E illustrate an example of steps for attaching the mountingmodule 1300 to the attachment portion 1220 by means of the plastic clamp1100. In a first step illustrated in FIG. 3A, the O ring seal 1400 isarranged in the groove 1225. In a second step illustrated in FIG. 3B,the plastic clamp 1100 is pre-closed while being positioned on theattachment portion 1220 of the tank. In a third step illustrated in FIG.3C, the mounting module 1300 is placed on the attachment portion 1220.In a fourth step illustrated in FIG. 3D, an operator or a machine startspulling the tab 1221 to make the plastic clamp 1100 self-centering withrespect to the flange 1310 of the mounting module 1300 and theattachment portion 1220. At this step, the internal mouths 1115 startengaging the flange 1310 of the mounting module 1300 and the flange 1222attachment portion 1220. At a final step illustrated in FIG. 3E, the tab1221 is pulled tight such that the internal mouths 1115 close onto themounting module 1300 and the attachment portion 1220. Accordingly, themounting module 1300 is securely attached to the tank. Further, the Oring seal 1400 is compressed axially between the attachment portion 1220and the mounting module 1300.

FIG. 4 represents a plastic clamp 1100 similar to clamp 1100 of FIG. 1with this difference that clamp 1100 is provided with a plurality offixation points 1141, 1142, 1143 for attaching the cover. The fixationpoints 1141, 1142, 1143 are provided in the form of outwardly protrudingears. The plastic clamp 1100 is used to attach a mounting module 1300 toan attachment portion (not visible) on a wall portion 1210 of a tank, ashas been described above. Each extension or ear 1141, 1142, 1143 isprovided with an orifice 1145, 1146, 1147. These orifices 1145, 1146,1147 can be used to attach, for example, a cover functioning asprotection plate or as heatshield, clips for hydraulic lines or wiringharnesses. Thus, these ears 1141, 1142, 1143 can advantageously be usedas fixation points.

FIG. 5 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 4 but with components arrangedon the outer side of the mounting module 1300 and with a cover 1500. Themounting module 1300 is configured for carrying at least one componenton an inner side intended for being directed towards the interior of thetank, and/or on an outer side intended for being directed towards theexterior of the tank, so that this component is accessible from outsidethe tank. More generally one or more components may be provided at theinner side or the outer side of the mounting module, or may beintegrated in the mounting module, e.g. in a chamber in the mountingmodule.

In the illustrated embodiment an electronic control unit (ECU) 1700 ismounted on the outer side of the mounting module 1300, and the cover1500 covers electronic control unit 1700. Further a hydraulic connector1620, and two electrical connectors 1610, 1630 are arranged at the outerside of the mounting module 1300. The electrical connectors 1610, 1630are typically connected to the ECU 1700, and to any components that needto be fed by an electrical power source, e.g. a pump, a heater, asensor, etc. One electrical connector 1610 may be used for signalcommunication (typically Controller Area Network CAN signals) with theECU 1700, and the other electrical connector 1630 may be used for thepower supply of the ECU 1700 and of any other components. The hydraulicconnector 1620 is intended for connecting an outlet of the tank to ahydraulic line for evacuating liquid out of the tank. The ECU 1700 andthe electrical connectors 1610, 1630 may be mounted on a printed circuitboard (PCB, wherein at least one electrical connector 1610, 1630 isconnected to the ECU 1700.

The cover 1500 is attached to the clamp 1100 and covers at leastpartially the various connectors 1610, 1620, 1630. More in particular,the cover 1500 is attached to the plurality of fixation points 1141,1142, 1143 of clamp 1100 using screws 1151, 1152, 1153 or otherfixations means. The cover functions here as a protection plateprotecting the connectors 1610, 1620, 1630 and the ECU 1700 againstdamage and/or the infiltration of dirt. In addition the cover 1500 mayhave a heat shield function, e.g. to limit the heating of the ECU 1700.Alternatively or in addition there may be provided one or more fixationpoints for attaching e.g. a hydraulic line to the clamp.

FIGS. 6A and 6B a second exemplary embodiment of a clamp 2100. The clamp2100 is typically a plastic clamp. The clamp 2100 comprises a firstclamp shell 2111 and a second clamp shell 2112. First clamp shell 2111has a first end pivotally connected to a first end of second clamp shell2112, see 2160. To that end the first end of first clamp shell 2111 maybe provided with a shaft element which fits in a corresponding bearingelement provided at the first end of second clamp shell 2112. Firstclamp shell 2111 has a second end configured for being connected to asecond end of the second clamp shell 2112, see 2170. In the illustratedembodiment the second end of the first clamp shell 2111 is connected tothe second end of the second clamp shell 2112 though a snap-fitconnection. The second end of the second clamp shell 2112 is providedwith an arrow-like element 2171 which can be snap-fitted in acorresponding passage 2172 provided at the second end of the first clampshell 2111.

The clamp shells 2111, 2112 each comprise at an inner surface thereof atleast one internal mouth 2115 configured to receive a mounting flange ofthe mounting module and a corresponding flange of the attachment portionof the tank, in a similar manner as has been described above withreference to FIGS. 3A-3E. The internal mouth 2115 may have a taperedinner surface to promote the self-centering of the clamp 2100 around therespective flanges of the mounting module and attachment portion.Further the clamp 2100 comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs 2116extending radially between the internal mouth 2115 and an outer surfaceof the clamp shells 2111, 2112.

In a preferred embodiment the clamp shells 2111, 2112 are integralinjection molded parts.

FIG. 7 represents a partial cross-section of an assembly according to athird exemplary embodiment. The assembly is mounted in an opening in awall portion 3210 of a plastic tank. A ring shaped member 3200,illustrated in FIG. 8A is embedded in wall portion 3210 in order to forma portion of an attachment portion 3220. A clamp in the form of anannular lock plate 3100, see also FIG. 8B, is used to attach a mountingmodule 3300 to attachment portion 3220.

Tubular attachment portion 3220 projects outwardly from wall portion3210. In this example, the wall portion 3210 is formed by injectionmoulding simultaneously with a circular support portion 3212 locatedwithin ring shaped member 3200. Ring shaped member 3200 together withcircular support portion 3212 form attachment portion 3220. Mountingmodule 3300 is supported against circular support portion 3212.

FIG. 8A illustrates the ring shaped member 3200 which is used forforming attachment portion 3220. The ring shaped member 3200 comprises atop flange 3221, a bottom flange 3222 and a frustoconical side wall 3223connecting the top flange 3221 and the bottom flange 3222. The ringshaped member 3200 further comprises peripheral tabs 3224 extendingoutwardly from the top flange 3221. In this particular embodiment, thering shaped member 3200 comprises six peripheral tabs 3224 regularlyspaced along the top flange 3221. In an advantageous embodiment, eachperipheral tab 3224 can be equipped with a tooth or a series of teeth.In the example of FIG. 8A, each peripheral tab 3224 is equipped with atooth having a V-shape profile. Advantageously, the frustoconical sidewall 3223 comprises a plurality of through-holes 3225. In thisparticular embodiment, the top flange 3221 comprises a recess 3226 whichis used as a point of reference for precisely positioning a mountingmodule 3300 with respect to the ring shaped member 3200. In thisexample, the ring shaped member 3200 is made of metal.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the bottom flange 3222 and a portion of thefrustoconical side wall 3223 of the ring shaped member 3200 areembedded, e.g. by overmolding, in the wall portion 3210. The attachmentportion 3220 defines an opening in the wall portion of the tank. Theassembly comprises a mounting module 3300 which is attached to theattachment portion 3220 by means of a clamp in the form of an annularlock plate 3100. The attachment portion 3220 comprises a groove in whichan O ring seal 3400 is arranged. The groove is arranged such that the Oring seal 3400 is positioned in-between a flange of the mounting module3300 and the attachment portion 3220. In FIG. 7, the ring shaped member3200 and the annular lock plate 3100 are in a final closing position. Inthis final closing position, the engaging claw parts of the annular lockplate 3100 are engaged with the peripheral tabs 3224 of the ring shapedmember 3200. Accordingly, the mounting module 3300 is tightly pressedtowards the attachment portion 3220. The O ring seal 3400 is compressedaxially between the attachment portion 3220 and the mounting module3300. In this example, the tank may be a urea tank and the mountingmodule 3300 may be a baseplate which incorporates and/or supports atleast one component such as, for example, a pump, a filter, a levelsensor, a quality sensor, a temperature sensor or a heater. A part ofthis mounting module 3300 is positioned through the opening in the tank.

FIG. 8B represents the annular lock plate 3100. The annular lock plate3100 comprises six engaging claw parts 3160. Each engaging claw part3160 has a teethed portion adapted to engage with one of the teethillustrated in FIG. 8A. At least one of the engaging claws 3160 comprisea stopper 3162 which is used to block the rotation of the engaging clawsonce the teeth are matching with the corresponding teeth of the ringshaped member 3200. The annular lock plate 3100 comprises a flat portion3110 adapted to contact with a part of the mounting module 3300. In thisparticular embodiment, the flat portion 3110 comprises a recess 3170which is used as a point of reference for precisely positioning theannular lock plate 3100 with respect to the mounting module 3300. Theannular lock plate 3100 can optionally comprise one or severalperipheral extension part(s) 3141, 3142, 3143. Each extension 3141,3142, 3143 is provided with an orifice 3145. These orifices 3145 can beused to attach, for example, a cover, one or more clips for hydrauliclines or wiring harnesses. Thus, these extensions 3141, 3142, 3143 canadvantageously be used as fixation points. In this example, the annularlock plate 3100 is made of metal.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the annular lock plate3100 can be replaced by six independent engaging claw parts 3160. Inthis alternative embodiment, each independent engaging claw part 3160comprises a teethed portion adapted to engage a peripheral tab 3224 ofthe ring shaped member 3200 and a flat portion 3110 adapted to press apart of the mounting module 3300 against the attachment portion 3220.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a tankassembly. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 the tank assembly comprises a tank4200, a mounting module 4300 incorporating a plurality of components4350, a clamp 4100, and a cover 4500 attached to the clamp 4100. To thatend the clamp 4100 is provided with fixation points 4140. Screws 4150fix the cover 4500 to fixation points 4140. It is noted that themounting module is shown to be mounted at a top face of the tank, butthat it could also be mounted at a bottom face of the tank.

Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above inconnection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdescription is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation ofthe scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. An assembly for mounting at least one component ina tank for a motor vehicle, the tank including a wall portion and anattachment portion projecting outward from the wall portion, theattachment portion defining an opening in the wall portion, the assemblycomprising: a mounting module configured to carry the at least onecomponent and to close the opening in the wall portion; the mountingmodule including an outer side configured to be accessible from outsidethe tank; at least one connector arranged on an outer side of themounting module, the at least one connector being connected to the atleast one component; a clamp configured to clamp the mounting module tothe attachment portion; a cover attached to the clamp and covering atleast partially the at least one connector.
 17. The assembly of claim16, wherein the mounting module includes a mounting flange at an outercircumference thereof, and wherein the clamp is configured to engagearound the mounting flange and around a corresponding flange of theattachment portion of the tank.
 18. The assembly of claim 16, whereinthe at least one connector comprises any one of the followingconnectors, or a combination thereof: a hydraulic connector, anelectrical connector.
 19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clampincludes a plurality of fixation points for attaching the cover.
 20. Theassembly of claim 19, wherein in the mounted position the clamp issubstantially circular and fixation points are provided in a form ofoutwardly protruding ears.
 21. The assembly of claim 16, furthercomprising an electronic control unit mounted on the outer side of themounting module, and the cover at least partially covers the electroniccontrol unit.
 22. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp is aplastic clamp.
 23. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp includesat least a first clamp shell and a second clamp shell, the first clampshell including a first end pivotally connected to a first end of thesecond clamp shell; wherein the first clamp shell includes a second endconfigured to be connected to a second end of the second clamp shell.24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the second end of the first clampshell is connected to the second end of the second clamp shell through asnap-fit connection.
 25. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clampcomprises at least one attachment strip including a first end includinga toothed portion; and a second end including at least one head, thehead comprising a complementary toothed portion, the head beingconfigured to receive and lock the strip by the complementary toothedportion; wherein the clamp engages and is closed onto the mountingmodule and the attachment portion by pulling tight the strip through thehead.
 26. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp comprises at aninner surface thereof at least one internal mouth configured to receivea mounting flange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange ofthe attachment portion of the tank.
 27. The assembly of claim 26,wherein the or each internal mouth includes a tapered inner surface;and/or wherein the clamp comprises a plurality of strengthening ribsextending radially between the or each internal mouth and an outersurface of the clamp.
 28. A tank assembly for a motor vehicle comprisinga tank and an assembly according to claim 16, wherein the tank is a fueltank or an ammonia precursor tank.
 29. The tank assembly of claim 28,wherein the tank comprises an attachment portion in which a ring-shapedmember is partially embedded; the ring shaped member comprising a topflange, a bottom flange and a side wall connecting the top flange andthe bottom flange; the bottom flange and a portion of the side wallbeing embedded in the attachment portion; wherein the ring shaped membercomprises a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the top flange orcreated in the top flange; wherein the clamp comprises a plurality ofengaging claw parts, each engaging claw part being configured to engageone of the plurality of peripheral tabs and to press the mounting moduleagainst the attachment portion.
 30. The tank assembly of claim 29,wherein the clamp is an annular lock plate comprising the plurality ofengaging claw parts.